The American team arrived in Leucate, France 4 days day’s early to prepare for the Mondial du Vent speed event, the largest kitesurfing event in France. The team: Rob, Morgan, Jamie Douglas and myself were on a mission to see if a new course record could be set in the waters of La Franqui. The weather forecast was perfect as the Tramontonia wind was about to hit hard for 4 huge days! 30 to 40 knots with gusts of 45knots. Perfect conditions for speed sailing. Flat water…. Strong winds….Good wind angle…. and the worlds fastest speed sailors in one location.

Melissa Gil takes new American Record!Luderitz Speed Challenge comes to an end with a broken back!Words From Melissa Gil: I am back in Cape Town. I was able to go a little faster on Thursday, 38 knots. I had a better day! :) But, one of the kiters got hurt, broke his back. He got in an accident with another kiter and went up in the air and then down hard. :( He is getting an operation in Johanesburg, french guy, Jerome. We were all sad and scared, weird feeling... Melissa

Well it all comes to an end! Today we got up at 5am ready for a possible start at 7:30am. The wind was a maybe but it was our last shot to make it happen! Team NASSP or "Top Gun" was ready all our Cabrinha kites pumped up ready to fly! The wind would give us a little show and then die and then come on again and drop. As we all waited it just was not meant to be. They called it and well thats all she wrote! It was still a incredible showing with Melissa Gil walking away in her first speed event WORLD CHAMPION!

I woke up this morning to Rob slamming on the door to go for a run at 6:45 in the morning! It was a refreshing and beautiful run, running through rainy, green, dreary conditions. Old beat down boats and vacant warehouses. It was the first day I could get back into the run as my back is now getting better! Melissa was sound a sleep when I left. It wis quite amazing run this morning, as I felt a little like David and Goliath as I run with Goliath "Rob" and me little David chasing him down on this incredible speed event.

DAY 3The wind has shut off and the gang is sitting around doing what they do best!! As you can see they are relaxing and watching the favorite flick TOP GUN! Well Kind of when they are not sleeping.Jamie is still staying motivated with his training!As everyday goes by my back gets better and better!!! Things are looking good! Check back for more info tomorrow!Damo

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A Little About Me

Sports enthusiast - Motivational speaker - spreading love and happiness one person at a time. Grew up ski racing in Vail, Colorado. Moved to Alaska to help run a fly fishing business with my family, became a pilot. Started a career in Kiteboarding which has taken me all over the world. Achieving accomplishments like World Champion, The World Kiteboarder of the Year. I have been on the podium in many different disciplines in our sport from freestyle to course racing, speed, Big Air, and slalom racing. The greatest achievement is the ability to give back to the youth! Recently I was in the opening scene of Baywatch the movie with the "Rock" or Dwayne Johnson. Just striving to be the best person I can and sharing happiness to those around me along the way.